Emily Allgair, Editor

Noun. A person who expresses or promotes socially progressive views.

Now, I’m not saying that people who believe in progressive views are bad, in fact, I, too, believe in progressive views. But the people who are surface-level educated and make it part of their personality suck. 

I’m not ashamed to say it. In fact, I’d shout it from the rooftop. People who push views that they believe in but don’t know nearly enough about suck. And I’m not talking about the people that know they aren’t educated and bite their tongues when it comes to political conversation. Those people aren’t part of the problem; the problem lies in those who do some of the following.

Men who are performative about not liking men in front of their female friends, but as soon as there are men they enjoy being around, are performative about being a guys’ guy. Key word: performative.

People who, when you are talking about sexism in the college setting, bring up the fact that they have a female professor. Because that automatically adds to the sexism talk, right?

Meeting someone who uses they/them pronouns and everytime you speak about them, making sure you are emphasizing the pronouns to a point where it is no longer casual. “No but didn’t you hear what THEY said?” or “THEY are really cool, you’d definitely love THEM.” Like, chill dude. 

Wanting to participate in conversations about injustices in which you have no personal anecdotes rather than just being an active listener, so you contribute experiences that don’t really fit in with the conversation. Not like it diminishes the experiences of those who are speaking just so that you can feel included (in something that no one wants to experience). 

And I know what you’re thinking, is this really the behavior of an SJW? I thought they were people who talk politics but not in an educated fashion. You’re right – in one aspect. But SJWs exist beyond the world of politics, and that’s something that we need to keep in mind. 

Stay vigilant, check your privilege and if you aren’t sure if what you’re contributing to conversation applies, maybe just sit back and listen.